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Old 02-01-2010, 10:24 PM   #1
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Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

Anyone have experience with either setup?

I am thinking of getting an Engel 45, but worry that it's too small. The Combi 60 looks cool, but pricy.

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Old 02-01-2010, 10:27 PM   #2
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

No experience. Is the Combi the one one that has the extra "collar" that you add to raise the height of the cooler?


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Old 02-01-2010, 10:46 PM   #3
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

The combi has a bigger footprint and two, side-by-side compartments under one hatch. You can use one as a refrigerator and the other as a freezer OR, if you like, you can set the freezer one to 40 and effectively get extra refrigeration space.

I am reading tons of reviews and the 45 with the top - I think it's the one you are thinking of - seems like a better use of space for me.

Here are some links:

The combi, big and a lot more money: http://www.engel-usa.com/mt60combi.htm

The 45, along with the two zone top: http://www.engel-usa.com/twozone.htm

On all the boards, the Aussies rave about Waeco, and you can get Waeco/Dometic portable units in the US from marine dealers. Pretty reasonable, too, but they don't seem as overbuilt as the Engels.

I was looking at the ARB unit, but am not sold on them.
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Old 02-01-2010, 11:04 PM   #4
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

and then there is the dometic/waeco CF-80. much bigger and cheaper:

http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Dometi ... p_482.html
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Old 02-02-2010, 08:24 AM   #5
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

I'm wondering if it's possible to built one of these toploaders into an SMB storage cabinet for a combo ice chest/fridge unit if you allowed for the ventilators.
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Old 02-02-2010, 08:39 AM   #6
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustywolf
I'm wondering if it's possible to built one of these toploaders into an SMB storage cabinet for a combo ice chest/fridge unit if you allowed for the ventilators.
Check out Lance's Disabled Explorer's van (WAVE van). I believe he has a top-loading National Luna fridge. It's not built into a cabinet, but I think it is attached to some sort of pedestal.


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Old 02-02-2010, 08:49 AM   #7
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

I'm planning on putting mine on a wooden cabinet that I'm building. Even though I don't have a pop top or high top yet, I want to maximize my space.

As for building it in, if you leave the vent areas open, I don't see why not. They sell covers to help with the insulation in warm weather and they have mesh cutouts for the vents and actual cutouts for the electrical and switch areas.

I have heard good things about National Luna, but didn't know you could get them in the U.S.

I do want something rugged as my vehicles get banged around a lot in the back country.
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:27 PM   #8
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

I have been using the engel 45 for long time in africa and never had problems.
The size was ok but could have more space.
I never used the two zone add on, it's great to have more space with the same fridge but the height is high, need the place to be able to open it and the compressor will work longer.

That's the way I will go with the van, top loader to avoid the cold air getting out every time you open it, reduces the need of cold, 60 or 80 liter might be combi.

The engel has it's own swing motor.
The waeco has the danfoss compressor which is well known for years.

Thanks for the links.
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Old 02-03-2010, 03:47 PM   #9
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

You can actually get alot of things in the 45 if you pack it right. More than twice the amount as the little standard fridge in our SMB.
We have a 45 that's worked great for over 4 years now. Because of where we live it gets used almost daily and is always in the bed of the truck. Its been banged around, scatched, and dented and still gets cold fast.
Warning, If you turn it up past 3 your beer will freeze pretty quick.
The fact it runs dc or ac is a plus too.
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Old 02-03-2010, 08:56 PM   #10
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Re: Engel 45 with TwoZone top or Engel Combi 60

I just received my Edgestar 86 qt on Monday and am impressed. I paid $639 with free shipping. Haven't had it out on the trail yet and am having a tray made by a buddy right now to attach it safely to the van. Should have it tomorrow.

I was worried about the size being too big but now that I have it I am glad I didn't go smaller. This will be perfect for the wife and I and the two kids. I'll post up pictures soon.

In the meantime I'd check out the reviews on expeditionportal.

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